Cornyn Campaign Staffer's Attack on GOP Rival Backfires

Allegation of voter fraud against Rep. Wesley Hunt leads to accusations of criminal wrongdoing against Cornyn's team.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The campaign communications chief for Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) launched an explosive allegation that primary rival Rep. Wesley Hunt illegally voted in 2016, but the post may have landed the Cornyn campaign in hot water. The allegation included revealing Hunt's home address, prompting accusations of criminal wrongdoing from both Hunt and another rival, Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is also running in the Senate primary.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the increasingly contentious and personal nature of the Republican primary race in Texas, where Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt are vying for the party's nomination. The allegations of voter fraud and doxxing raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the willingness of campaigns to resort to unethical tactics.

The details

Cornyn's staffer, Matt Mackowiak, alleged that Hunt lied on a sworn statement about the date of his military discharge in order to illegally vote in the 2016 election. Mackowiak included voter forms that did not redact Hunt's home address, prompting accusations of criminal wrongdoing from both Hunt and Paxton.

  • The original post was made on February 14, 2026.
  • As of Friday evening, Mackowiak appears to have deleted the original post.

The players

John Cornyn

A Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is running for re-election.

Wesley Hunt

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas who is challenging Cornyn in the primary election.

Ken Paxton

The Republican Attorney General of Texas who is also running in the Senate primary.

Matt Mackowiak

The campaign communications chief for Sen. John Cornyn.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.